Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SPORTS & ACTIVITIES
Pioneer Square
SAFECO FIELD
STADIUM
( 206-346-4241; 1250 1st Ave S; tours adult/child $10/8; 1hr tours 10:30am, 12:30pm &
2:30pm nongame days Apr-Oct; Stadium)
The Mariners' $517-million ballpark, Safeco
Field, opened in July 1999. With its retractable roof, 47,000 seats and real grass, the
stadium was funded in part by taxpayers and tourists; more than half the money came
from taxes on food sold in King County restaurants and bars, and from taxes on rental
cars. Money also came from profits on scratch-lottery tickets.
The Mariners coughed up most of the difference. The stadium's unique design means
it commands fantastic views of the surrounding mountains, downtown and Puget
Sound. There's no 2:30pm tour on game days and no tours if the game is before 6pm.
